ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Bishop Oliver Heyward, the new Chairman of the

Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Changes to the Brotherhood of St Laurence Board were announced at the 1993 Annual General Meeting held during November. Archdeacon Andrew Curnow resigned as Chairman of the Board, together with long serving members: John McInnes, Andrew Ferry and Jan King. At the first meeting of the new Board which followed in December, Bishop Oliver Heyward was nominated and appointed as the new Chairman.

Other incoming Board members include the Rev'd Ray Cleary, Elizabeth Loftus and Ian Reid.

Also at the Annual General Meeting, the Board acknowledged the substantial contribution made to the organisation by David Scott and bestowed a life member-ship in commemoration of his work. David joined the Brotherhood of St Laurence in 1953 and became it's first lay director. He assisted Father Tucker, his uncle, with the slum abolition campaign and developed Community Aid Abroad throughout the 1960s.

David was instrumental in building the profile of the Brotherhood's Social Policy and Research section during his period as Executive Director.

SUMMER 1994

JOURNAL OF THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST LAURENCE

REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST NO. VAW 1129 NO. 290 ISSN NO. 1036-1480

BROTHERHOOD

ACTION LIBRARY BROTHER!') fr T. LAURENCE 67 BRUT.'` FITZROY VICTORIA 3065

RURAL JOB STRATEGY FOR CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Tim Roberts speaks at the launch of the Ballarat based project.

An exciting new employment and enterprise strategy has been established in

Victoria's Central Highlands Region. The Provincial Communities Enterprise Project will assist development in rural regions by identifying and assisting local communities and individuals in setting up business opportunities that

meet existing needs and can also generate additional local employment.

The Project is an initiative of the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Hugh

Williamson Foundation. It will operate for two years and has a commitment to developing a minimum of ten enterprise and employment projects per year.

The project is the first model of its kind in Australia and may well be used by

other depressed region al areas to create sustainable employment opportunities.

Manager, Tim Roberts, said the Provincial Communities Enterprise Project will provide advice and act as a facilitator on matters such as business plans, financing options, resourcing, product assessment, manufacturing information

and just about everything else sho rt of running the business itself.

'Based on the principle of self help, it's intention is to improve job prospects, meet existing needs and provide sustainable income for people living in the small towns scattered around Ballarat with the communities themselves being the driving force.'

In a rural environment, such enterprises could include cultural works and

local arts, garden mulch products, recycled sheep manure and other rural products that are in demand. One aspect of the development of the Project will be to utilise the services of an Aboriginal Employment and Liaison Officer.

The Officer will work on producing significant links to employment for Aboriginal people in the community.

SUMMER 1994

VIEWPOINT by

THE RIGHT REV'D

MICHAEL CHALLEN

Executive Director

During the Christmas flurry the Federal Government

released a discussion paper, prepared by its special

Committee on Employment Opportunities, entitled

Restoring full employment.

This paper highlights again the Government's commit-

ment to resolve the greatest social problem we

Australians have had to face for many a decade.

Unemployment of 11.1 per cent is a national disgrace

and is socially dangerous. But what are we to do?

The Committee emphasises the need for sustained

economic growth and employment growth by

encouraging citizens to invest and, by implication, to

save. At the same time, assistance needs to be given to

unemployed people, whether through job training or

income support. The Committee also proposed a

guaranteed job for people who have been unemployed

for a long period.

To meet the cost of these and other initiatives, the

Committee mooted a graded job levy. This idea is

causing concern in some quarters since it is suggested

that it might lead to a reduction in spending by

individuals and thus retard the expansion of the

economy. However, many economists believe the

benefits of spending in this way far outweigh any

disadvantages.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence advocates such a levy

since it is convinced that the well-being of all people

will be advanced as more and more people are brought

into the mainstream of life rather than being left on the

edge.

In practical terms this means that those of us who have

jobs need to share some of our wages, through taxation,

with others, by assisting with the cost of those strategies

which will get people into jobs or sustain them while

they are forced to wait for that delightful possibility.

It all is a matter of sharing, that is, a moral principle.

May I suggest that as you explore with others the

Government's discussion paper, this essential principle

is kept foremost in our minds and hearts.

While on the subject of sharing, many people at the

beginning of a new year check over their personal

affairs, especially the provisions contained within their

Will. Should you be doing so, may I encourage you, as

many do, to include the Brotherhood of St Laurence as

a beneficiary. Such consideration will ensure the work

started by supporters such as yourself can continue.

+M B CHALLEN

VIDEO ILLUSTRATES INNOVATIVE CARE

FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

St Laurence House Manager, Barbara Ingwersen (right), with one of her regular guests, Mrs Iona McMahon (left) at the launch of the new video kit.

Caring for people with dementia is a constantly challenging

field of work. However, with the nations ageing population, more older people in the community are becoming susceptible to this condition requiring innovative support systems such as

those being established by St Laurence House in Geelong.

St Laurence House is run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence's

Barwon Region and provides day care and ove rnight-weekend respite care for people suffering from memory loss and

confusion. The specialised care given at St Laurence House is designed to re-create a home environment and encourages

visitors to feel safe and secure.

Bringing Out The Best is a recently produced video and work

manual which illustrates the model of care and work practices used in dementia care at St Laurence House. The video demonstrates proven effective methods and innovative practices

based on touch, feelings, emotions and music. Techniques used include listening, validating and reminiscing with guests. Activities focus on daily living skills and whole brain massage

as part of the daily routine.

The video also covers suppo rt for carers and their needs. Living

with someone who has dementia can be very frustrating and

tiring at times. Bringing Out The Best was sponsored by the

National Action Plan for Dementia Care, an initiative of the Federal Government. It is designed to be used by people who care for dementia sufferers and illustrate good work practices

in the field.

SUMMER 1994

AVALON CONFERENCE CENTRE

A property donated to the Brotherhood over 30 years ago, has been given a new purpose following its recent conversion to a conference centre for community and school groups. In 1962 the Avalon property near Lara on the outskirts of Geelong was given to the Brotherhood by its owner, Mr Richard Austin. Since 1968 the property has been used by the Avalon Community as a place of retreat and renewal for individuals in need. In October last year, the Avalon Community ceased operations and the property was returned to the Brotherhood of St Laurence which now intends to use it as a Conference Cen tre. Avalon is a 19th Century bluestone homestead, overlooking the You Yangs and Corio Bay. Set in 100 acres of grazing land and surrounded by delightful gardens, this historic homestead can accommodate up to 40 people. A modern accommodation wing is attached and most rooms have an en suite. To complement the accommodation are several meeting rooms, lounges, a library and spacious dining room. A full range of audio visual equipment is also available. John Price, the Manager, (below) can be contacted on (052) 821 206 for more details. Competitive rates are available for conferences and seminars

BROTHERHOOD SETS UP TOY LIBRARY

The Brotherhood's Inner Urban Family and Youth Service will be opening a Toy Library soon. For a small charge, the Library will offer a choice of hundreds of educational toys that can be borrowed for periods of a fortnight. The Library will cater for children up to the age of seven and provide assistance with the selection of toys if required.

The Library will be situated at Fitzroy Community Health Centre in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Sue Culligan, Manager of Inner Urban Youth Services, said she anticipated 'that people using the service will be those whose resources do not stretch to luxury items, like toys, after providing for basic family necessities'. She said the Library will also assist families who c an

provide some toys but who would prefer their children to have access to a broader range of items.

Currently, the Toy Library is still collecting stock and is looking for financial suppo rt

or gifts of new or good quality used toys. People who might like to offer some of their time to help with this exciting initiative are asked to contact Sue Culligan or Liz Dalla Rosa on 417 2578.

WILL YOU HELP?

You can support the Brother-hood's work by donating goods at our Brotherhood shops (listed below) or through your local green Brotherhood bin. You may also wish to become a volunteer at your local Brotherhood shop. No experience is necessary and contact numbers are listed below.

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE

MARILYN JOYCE (03) 419 7055

Bentleigh, 518 Centre Rd Box Hill, 937 Whitehorse Rd

Brunswick, 109 Brunswick Rd City, Basement, Royal Arcade Eltham, suite 21, 10 Arthur St

Glenhuntly, 1143 Glenhuntly Rd Greensborough, Shop 6, Main St

Ivanhoe, 218 Upper Heidelberg Rd Malvern, 215 Glenferrie Rd

Mt Waverley, 11 Hamilton Walk Ormond, 5 Katandra Rd

Preston, 336 High St Watsonia, 78 Nepean St

FRANKSTON & MORNINGTON

PENINSULA HELEN MARINIC (03) 783 4955

Dandenong, 235 Thomas St Frankston, 17 Thompson St

Mornington, 34 Main St Rosebud, Shop 4, 9 Rosebud Pde

Seaford, 2 Station St

GEELONG & LARA CONTACT SHOPS DIRECTLY

Belmont, 125 High St (052) 434 227

Geelong City, 192 Ryrie St (052) 215 634

Geelong East, 13A Ormond St (052) 295 038

Geelong West, 117 Packington St (052) 295 494

Lara, The Centreway (052) 821 114

Norlane, 4 Labuan Square (052) 789 673

BALLARAT GLADYS CRITTENDEN

2 Webster Street, (052) 322 128

SUMMER 1994

SEND US YOUR STORIES ABOUT THE BROTHERHOOD, ITS LIFE, & ITS PEOPLE

Personal stories about the Brotherhood, its life, and its people are currently being sought from all those who are or have been associated with the organisation. Anecdotal stories are wonderful illustrators and are being collected to reflect the Bròtherhood theme Adding Justice to Care, thus illustrating the vision and work of the organisation. The Brotherhood's Public Affairs Department is hoping to receive stories that relate to the past and present from people connected with the life of the organisation in any way. The following edited story illustrates the Brotherhood at work Adding Justice to Care

and was written by Alice Cross, a now departed but long-time visitor to the Coolibah Centre. 'I first came to the Coolibah Day Centre when

I was about 58, as a friend of mine suggested it to me.

When I first came here I didn't want to live. I had lost my

independence, the use of my arm and was married to an

alcoholic. I didn't see any use in living, that is why I believe

in that right to die stuff, as I know how it is to feel like dying.

The very first day that I came here I walked

home crying my eyes out, `cos I was so happy

as I found myself a lovely friend: Mrs Millott.

She'd said to me: `You're only young and

you've got a lot of living to do'.

She was instrumental in getting me a divorce

and then she got me a pension, and I haven't

looked back since. After being at the Coolibah

for one week my whole outlook on life had

changed, as I wanted to live once again, I have

this club and Mrs Millott to thank for that.'

Stories can be sent to Sally Carr, Public Affairs Officer, 67

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, 3065.

The very first day t hat I came here I walked horn e crying my eyes out, `cos I was so

ha ppy as I foun d myself a love ly friend: Mrs Millott. '

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS DAY

Each of the Brotherhood's 1157 volunteers were recently invited to afternoon tea at the historic residence of Archbishop Rayner in East Melbourne. The occasion marked the Brotherhood's 60th Anniversary in Victoria and also International Volunteers Day.

EXPERT COMMITTEE ACCEPTS MAJOR THRUST OF BROTHERHOOD SUBMISSION

The Brotherhood of St Laurence welcomed the recommend-ations outlined in the recent release of the Green Paper by the Prime Minister's Expert Committee on Employment Opportunities. The Committee's major recommendations echoed points outlined by the Brotherhood in its submission.

The Brotherhood's report, A Strategic Approach to

Unemployment, called for employment to be the central focus of social planning and economic growth. Keys to long-term economic and social progress were not only policies to produce sustained jobs growth, but measures to reduce the risk of inflation arising while allowing unemployment to fall further. The repo rt also recommended increased spending on labour market programs.

The Expert Committee's Green Paper also highlighted these points and outlines a Jobs Compact to ensure long-term unemployed people are guaranteed a job. It also stressed the importance of the whole community contributing to the reduction of unemployment, with total expenditure on measures contained within the repo rt amounting to some $2,000 million. A Jobs Levy, as outlined in the Brother-hood's submission, would be the fairest way to share this burden. The report also proposed job creation programs, like the Brotherhood's Pixie Property Maintenance, as a way of providing more jobs for long-term unemployed people.

Copies of the Brotherhood's submission, A Strategic Approach to Unemployment, are available upon request from the Brotherhood's Bookshop, 67 Brunswick Street Fitzroy.

BROTHERHOOD OF ST LAURENCE

SUMMER 1994

ANIONS CARE &JUSTICE NETWORK C 0 M F

CARE & JUST►CE COMPANIONS

THE

TWOptik good This

NE means respecting all

ple, standing up for what we believe and creating a caring and cohesive nation. We are looking for individuals and community groups who want to link up and be active at the personal and local level, to engage in social and political reforms and take time for reflection.'

The recently launched Companions Care and Justice Network is an initiative of the Brotherhood of St Laurence aimed at developing a just, caring and more equitable society. As a movement for social change, it aims to shape communities by serving human and social needs while preserving resources and the environment.

The Companions believe that the failure of mainstream, social, political and economic structures to adequately meet the needs of everyone in our society has become more evident at this time of economic recession. It is therefore imperative that we raise the question of the values espoused by our society today and look to fundamental social change.

Liz Ng, Companions Co-ordinator, said 'the Companions seek to challenge our policy makers and the individualist, materialistic approach to life. Our aim is to build a sense of solidarity and concern for the

The Companions offers an opportunity for the wider community to be involved in developing a more compassionate, accessible and less alienating way of living. Groups are now operating in the West, Eastern and Inner city regions, as well as country Victoria. Areas of activity include Footscray Community Link Up Project, lobby/letter writing and suppo rt for homeless young people. The intention is to extend the network community-wide. Liz is available to provide information and resources, facilitation, training and general organisational support. If you would like more information contact Liz Ng on 483 1325.

THE END OF AN ERA Late last year, the Settlement Private Hospital closed its doors after more than forty years of service to the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula community. This unique 12-bed hospital, based at the G K Tucker Settlement in Carrum Downs, was an initiative of Father Tucker who saw the need for a place of temporary care and respite. Vera Rook was a former Matron at the hospital and now lives in a cottage at the Can -um Downs Settlement. This is and extract from an article she wrote to farewell the hospital.

'One of the service clubs, I believe it was the Jaycees, came and built

the sick bay in the early 1950s. This was of fibro-cement sheeting and

had louvre windows. It consisted of two small wards, a small entrance

lobby, bathroom and toilet and a large day room. In one corner of the

day room was a kitchenette and in the other corner was a small cubicle

partitioned off with no door. This contained two beds (with sewing

machine between them) where Matron Wilson and Miss Haberson slept.

They were on duty every day and on call for any emergency at night.

For over forty years our 'little haven of rest' and its staff have been

there to give us help and confidence. From a case of the 'collywobbles',

to a stroke or heart attack or recovery from a major operation at a big

hospital, we always knew we had our own little hospital to go to until

we were strong enough to care for ourselves again.'

The Settlement Hospital was closed in September following a detailed review which found that the facility was no longer financially viable and unable to provide the high-cost technical suppo rt which is now expected from modern hospital care. Alte rnative arrangements have been made at the Settlement to ensure the medical requirements of residents continue to be met.

On the mend: former matron, Vera Rook, enjoys the care which was the hallmark of the Settlement Hospital for nearly 40 years.

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SUMMER 1994

FACTS FROM OUR PAST

School buses have changed since Camp Pell days! Camp Pell provided

emergency accommodation during a time of acute housing shortage after the

Second World War. Families on the waiting list for Housing Commission places

were housed in disused army barracks in Royal Park, previously used by the

US Army during the war. After some time, the area took on the character of a

new slum, with slum clearance and 'problem' families coming to live there. The

Brotherhood undertook a study on the difficulties and needs of the typical

families housed at Camp Pell.

The study, entitled What's Wrong with Victoria's Housing Programme? An

Analysis of some of Victoria's Housing Problems, resulted in a number of

articles in the Herald newspaper drawing attention to the housing crisis and

later led to policy initiatives by the Bolte Government.

FURNITURE DONATIONS FREE-CALL 1800 655 779

(All regions)

You can assist the Brother-hood by donating your spare, good quality furniture. We will either give these donations to families in need through our material aid centres or we will sell extra items to gain funds for our welfare programs. The Brotherhood will arrange collection of your furniture from your home by appoint-ment (free-call telephone number above), or you may deliver your donations to the following depots:

MELBOURNE 132 Barkley Street Brunswick Hrs: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm

Sat 9am-2.30pm Telephone: (03) 387 4744

FRANKSTON & MORNINGTON PENINSULA

30 Kookaburra St Frankston Hrs: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm

Telephone: (03) 783 4955

GEELONG 96 Fyans Street Geelong South

Hrs: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Telephone: (052) 216 128

BALLARAT Factory 4, Hilton Park Estate,

903 Doveton St, Ballarat Hrs: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Telephone: (053) 318 995

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